Samworth Brothers defends pay plan in union row
A spokeswoman for the manufacturer told FoodManufacture.co.uk no decision about pay had yet been reached and the a consultation with staff still had some time to run.
“Samworth Brothers has always offered staff a very good total reward package, when one looks at the full picture of pay and available benefits, including pension, healthcare and other staff benefits,” said the spokeswoman. “We are among the best in our sector.”
The manufacturer said it was consulting with staff in order to ensure the business offered a fair and well balanced pay structure in the future. As part of that plan, the firm proposed “a move to a significantly higher standard rate of pay with some rebalancing of overtime and premium payments”.
‘Significant additional sums’
The spokeswoman added: “The business is proposing to invest significant additional sums in the pay bill over the next few years to support the plan and we would expect the majority of our staff to be better off as a result of the proposals. There are no job reductions proposed. We are talking to staff at every step of the way and taking their feedback on board.”
But Samworth Brothers’ proposed changes could leave staff out of pocket, according to the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU). Members’ concerns focused on premium and overtime payments following a letter sent to workers.
’Reducing premium and overtime payments’
“Reducing premium and overtime payments is detrimental for hard-working families,” said the union’s regional officer George Atwall.
“We have been inundated with disgruntled employees wanting to join the BFAWU union for professional guidance.”
Samworth Brothers denied some media reports that all overtime would be abolished by 2018. The current proposal presented to staff retained a significant overtime premium for all years including 2018, it was claimed.
The Ginsters’ pastie maker employed about 5,000 staff at nine sites in the Midlands.
Meanwhile, in October last year the manufacturer boosted sales by nearly 6% after winning additional business and investing in improved manufacturing facilities.
What they say:
Samworth Brothers:“Samworth Brothers has always offered staff a very good total reward package, when one looks at the full picture of pay and available benefits, including pension, healthcare and other staff benefits.”
George Atwall, BFAWU regional officer: “Reducing premium and overtime payments is detrimental for hard-working families.”
